When starting school, there are four different core subjects that must be studied and learned. Those subjects are Science, English, History, and Math. Although everyone is required to study these core classes, some students may fall behind. Depending on the individual, some may be great in all subjects, but some may struggle with only one and Math could be that one.
You see, in order to help as parents you must know your options when trying to help your child and sometimes a maths tutor may just be the way to go. As simple as it sounds, there are certain criteria that should be considered when choosing a tutor. If you are wondering such a thing, this article is for you.
How to Know Whether Your Child Needs a Tutor
Knowing whether or not your child may need a tutor can be as simple as whether or not they like the subject. Some parents look at tutoring as a way in which only individuals who do not know the information are the ones that need it most. Honestly, sometimes the child may just be bored and has no real interest in the subject.
One of the best ways to learn whether or not your child may need a tutor is to look at their report card. A child that may have average grades, but the Math is taking a decline may as well need a tutor. Thinking differently, students with straight “A’s” may all of a sudden have a “C” and a tutor could help improve that grade.
Tutors Can Help in More Ways Than One
A tutor may make learning different because it could be taught in a way that the teacher teaches the subject in class or it may build on the pavement the teacher already taught. This could include different games or a new voice.
A tutor may not be needed but the importance of you staying in contact with the teacher and your child is part of making sure the individual will have the best chance at success. The teacher may actually learn something about your child that she did not know before which could change the way he/she would present things. This is a crucial step in knowing if you need to get a math tutor or not.
Signs That You May Need A Tutor
When it comes to deciding on getting a tutor for your child, it is important that you take into consideration that Math is a subject that uses building blocks from the last lesson to add to the next one. If your child were to fall behind, it could have a negative ripple effect in which the next lesson may be that much tougher to grasp. Making a decision to find help should be done earlier rather than later due to that possibility.
Never be afraid to ask if they think they might need help. Sometimes a child can be shy and may be afraid or ashamed to even ask. It may come from being upset because they may have a Math homework assignment or just the hanging of their head maybe it because they feel so frustrated. Always be a proactive parent. They may have been trying to figure out a way to tell you but did not know how to say it.
Tips on Choosing A Tutor
By the second grade you should be able to tell whether or not you may need to seek more help because you may see a struggle. There are many ways to go about finding a tutor but some of the factors included are;
- The background the tutor possesses
- How long has the tutor been helping children improve in the subject
- Feedback from others that have used their services before
- How your child reacts to the tutor once they meet because if they may not cooperate and the child may not improve
- Their method of teaching because the last thing you would want is a tutor that only uses video and does not interact with the child
One other thing that I believe that is very important is that you allow the teacher to meet with your child’s potential in advance also. She may be able to give you better insight on whether or not that person is a good candidate. Two professionals in the same field could really help you save time and have a quality tutor as well.
Always remember, at the end of the day the most important thing to think about is the welfare of the child and his/her improvement. The child should always be the focal point and never forget that there are options that could help you. No child should ever be left behind.